Target delays packaging goals to 2035

Spanish Market: Petrochemicals
22/09/26

US retailer Target has extended its packaging sustainability timeline to 2035 after falling short of a goal to make all owned-brand packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025.

Target said in its 2026 sustainability and governance report that 41pc of its owned-brand packaging met the retailer's circularity criteria in fiscal year 2025, unchanged from 2024 and up from 39pc in 2023. The company had previously targeted 100pc compliance by 2025.

The retailer also used less post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin in packaging during fiscal year 2025. Total PCR consumption fell to 56,275 metric tons (t) from 62,885t in 2024. Recycled content in Target's plastic shopping bags remained unchanged at 40pc from 2023-25.

Target highlighted several packaging redesign initiatives aimed at improving recyclability. The company removed carbon black colorant from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays used for bakery, deli, cracker-cut cheese and fresh mushroom packaging, making nearly 431,000lbs of packaging more compatible with recycling systems, according to Target.

The retailer also updated more than 2,000 up&up body wash bottles made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to maintain recyclability and product performance. The bottles contain 25pc PCR content.

Target launched its 'Target Forward' sustainability strategy in 2021 and acknowledged later that year that some packaging and sustainability goals could be difficult to achieve within the original 2025 timeframe. The company now aims to design 100pc of its owned-brand products for a circular economy by 2040, which will expand on its 2035 goal of 100pc recyclability to include changes to improve product design and material choice.

Target's revised packaging timeline follows similar reassessments by several major consumer brands and retailers that have pushed back sustainability commitments. Despite extending its packaging goal, Target joined the Extended Producer Responsibility Leadership Forum in 2025, a coalition of consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers focused on stakeholder education and the development of EPR frameworks.

By Dona Davis

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25/09/26

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BASF approaches Evonik about takeover: Update

25/09/26

BASF approaches Evonik about takeover: Update

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24/09/26

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European spot MEG prices lack momentum

24/09/26

European spot MEG prices lack momentum

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Edmonton butane flips to premium vs US on tight supply

18/09/26

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